A “sepia plant” is not a formal botanical classification. The term refers to plants displaying colors reminiscent of the sepia photographic tone, including earthy browns, muted reds, deep purples, and dusky greens.
What “Sepia Plant” Means
The aesthetic of ‘sepia’ in plants evokes an earthy feel. These distinctive colors are primarily due to natural pigments like anthocyanins, carotenoids, and variations in chlorophyll. Anthocyanins create orange, red, pink, purple, and blue hues in plant parts, while carotenoids contribute yellow, orange, and red.
Environmental factors influence these colors. Light intensity, especially blue and ultraviolet (UV) radiation, regulates anthocyanin synthesis. Plants grown under light-limiting conditions or low temperatures often show increased pigmentation. Nutrient availability, like phosphorus deficiency, can also lead to purplish coloration in lower leaves.
Plants with Sepia-Inspired Hues
Many plants display the rich, muted tones associated with sepia, making them popular choices for gardens and indoor spaces. Certain succulents, like Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’, have leaves that transition from lime green to brilliant red and yellow, especially with ample sunlight and some drought.
Coleus varieties offer a wide spectrum of dark foliage. Cultivars such as ‘Newly Noir’ feature deep purple, nearly black leaves. ‘Chocolate Drop’ exhibits rich dark burgundy with green accents. ‘Wicked Hot’ coleus can display copper-orange leaves with hints of pink and green, and ‘Vino’ coleus has extra dark burgundy, wine-colored foliage.
Heuchera, also known as Coral Bells, has numerous cultivars. Varieties like ‘Palace Purple’ offer dark purple foliage. Others, such as ‘Bronze Wave’, have glossy, bronze-green leaves with purple-brown undersides. ‘Plum Royale’ maintains shiny purple foliage, and ‘Black Pearl’ features dark purple-black leaves.
Ornamental grasses also fit the sepia aesthetic. Carex comans ‘Bronze’ (New Zealand Hair Sedge) forms mounds of narrowly linear, reddish-brown foliage. Other Carex species, like Carex buchananii (Leatherleaf Sedge), feature upright, copper-bronze leaves.
Cultivating Sepia-Toned Plants
To maintain or enhance sepia coloration, specific care is important. Strong, bright indirect light or several hours of direct sun often intensify red, brown, and purple pigments. For instance, Crassula ‘Campfire’ develops more vibrant colors with increased sunlight, though excessive direct sun can sometimes fade deep colors in some coleus varieties.
Proper watering is important. Many plants with these colors, especially succulents, prefer well-draining soil and a ‘soak and dry’ method, where soil dries completely between waterings. Consistent moisture suits other types, but avoid waterlogged conditions to prevent root rot.
Temperature can influence color vibrancy, with some plants displaying deeper hues in cooler conditions. While fertilization is not a primary driver of color, balanced feeding during the growing season supports overall plant health and vibrant foliage.